from the same as θεράπων; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease):--cure, heal, worship.
Transliteration:therapeúō
Pronunciation:ther-ap-yoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2323}}` (*therapeúō*) fundamentally derives from `{{G2325}}` (*therapōn*), meaning "attendant" or "servant." Its core semantic range thus revolves around the concept of "waiting upon," "attending to," or "serving." From this foundational meaning, two primary extensions emerge in biblical usage. Firstly, it denotes the act of "relieving (of disease)," hence "to cure" or "to heal." This is by far its most frequent application in the New Testament. The nuance here is not merely a mechanical fix, but a caring, attentive service rendered to the afflicted. Secondly, and less commonly in the New Testament but present in the broader Greek lexicon and implied by the root, it can signify "to adore" or "to worship (God)," in the sense of rendering devoted service or homage. This broader sense of dedicated service to a higher power or person undergirds both the physical healing and the spiritual adoration aspects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The overwhelming majority of occurrences of `{{G2323}}` in the New Testament are found in the Gospels, describing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. It is a key term used to articulate His power over sickness and disease, often interchangeably with `{{G2390}}` (*iaomai*).
For instance, in the Gospel of Matthew, it is frequently used to describe Jesus' comprehensive healing activity: "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and `{{G2323}}` all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people" [[Matthew 4:23]]. This highlights the scope of His ministry, extending beyond spiritual teaching to physical restoration. Similarly, in [[Matthew 8:7]], Jesus declares, "I will come and `{{G2323}}` him," in response to the centurion's plea for his servant.
Mark's Gospel also employs `{{G2323}}` to emphasize Jesus' authority and compassion: "And He `{{G2323}}` many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons" [[Mark 1:34]]. Luke, the physician, frequently uses the term, often detailing the specific ailments `{{G2323}}` by Jesus, such as the man with the withered hand [[Luke 6:7]] or those oppressed by evil spirits and diseases [[Luke 7:21]].
Beyond the Gospels, the term appears in Acts to describe the healing ministry of the apostles, who continued Christ's work, empowered by the Holy Spirit. For example, Peter and John `{{G2323}}` many who were brought to them [[Acts 5:16]].
While the Strong's definition includes "worship," direct New Testament instances where `{{G2323}}` unequivocally means "to worship God" are rare if not absent in English translations. The term's primary New Testament usage is undeniably in the context of physical healing and care. The "worship" aspect is more of an underlying semantic potential stemming from the root concept of devoted service, rather than a common translational equivalent for `{{G2323}}` in the Greek New Testament itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G2323}}` is rich and interconnected.
* **`{{G2325}}` (*therapōn*):** The noun from which `{{G2323}}` is derived, meaning "attendant" or "servant," particularly one who renders willing and devoted service. This etymological link underscores the idea of compassionate care inherent in healing.
* **`{{G2324}}` (*therapeia*):** The related noun, meaning "healing" or "cure" (as in [[Luke 9:11]]), but also "service" or "attendance" (as in [[Revelation 22:2]], where the leaves of the tree are "for the `{{G2324}}` of the nations," implying a restorative service).
* **`{{G2390}}` (*iaomai*):** Another common Greek verb for "to heal," often emphasizing the restoration of health. While sometimes used interchangeably with `{{G2323}}`, *iaomai* tends to focus more on the outcome of healing, whereas `{{G2323}}` retains a stronger nuance of the *process* of caring and attending that leads to healing.
* **`{{G4982}}` (*sōzō*):** "To save," "to deliver," or "to make whole." This term encompasses a broader sense of salvation, including spiritual, physical, and emotional deliverance. Jesus' healing acts often pointed to a deeper, holistic salvation.
* **`{{G1247}}` (*diakonia*) / `{{G1249}}` (*diakoneō*):** "Service" or "ministry." The acts of healing performed by Jesus and His disciples are fundamentally acts of service, reflecting the very nature of God who serves humanity.
### Theological Significance
The frequent use of `{{G2323}}` in the Gospels to describe Jesus' healing ministry carries profound theological significance:
1. **Manifestation of the Kingdom of God:** Jesus' ability to `{{G2323}}` all manner of sickness and disease was a tangible sign that the Kingdom of God had drawn near. It demonstrated His divine authority over the consequences of sin and the fallen world.
2. **Compassion and Mercy of God:** Jesus' healings were not mere displays of power but acts of deep compassion for human suffering. They reveal the heart of God, who is moved by the plight of humanity and actively intervenes to bring relief and restoration.
3. **Holistic Salvation:** The physical healings performed by Jesus often accompanied or symbolized a deeper spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins. This highlights the biblical understanding of salvation as comprehensive, addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The `{{G2323}}` of the body pointed to the `{{G2323}}` of the soul.
4. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Jesus' healing ministry was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, who would come to `{{H7495}}` (heal) His people (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:4-5]], [[Isaiah 61:1]]).
5. **Mandate for the Church:** The commission given to the disciples to `{{G2323}}` the sick [[Matthew 10:1]], [[Luke 9:2]] indicates that this ministry of compassionate care and restoration is an ongoing aspect of the Church's mission in the world, reflecting the very character of Christ.
### Summary
`{{G2323}}` (*therapeúō*) is a pivotal New Testament verb, primarily signifying "to heal" or "to cure," rooted in the concept of devoted "service" or "attendance." While its broader semantic range includes "to adore" or "to worship," its dominant usage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Gospels, is to describe the physical restoration brought about by Jesus Christ. His acts of `{{G2323}}` were not merely medical procedures but powerful demonstrations of the Kingdom of God, revealing divine compassion, fulfilling prophecy, and embodying a holistic approach to human suffering. The word thus encapsulates the active, compassionate service of God in bringing healing and wholeness to a broken world, a ministry continued through His Church.
TRV